BGM Daily Download DLC - 10 May 2024
Big Games Machine
PR and marketing agency for the global video games industry, covering both B2B and B2C audiences
Put down the controller and get ready to level up your week with the latest edition of the BGM Daily Download DLC, covering all the latest news and trends from the global games industry in a week that’s seen studio shutdowns, console announcements and more.
Welcome to The Daily Download DLC.
The week started with Nintendo’s announcement that a new Nintendo Switch is, in fact, on the way and will be released by March 31st, 2025. It’s been a good week for Nintendo all around as its hybrid system hit the 140 million sales milestone and continues to close in on the 155 million units shifted by the all-conquering PlayStation 2.
Elsewhere, after Helldivers 2 players channelled their bug-conquering powers into tanking the game's Steam review rating, Sony reversed its decision to require PlayStation Network accounts to access the democracy-spreading mega-hit. Rivals Microsoft have also hit the headlines after the closure of a collection of studios, including Arkane Austin (Prey, Redfall) and Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within), which has led to widespread criticism from gamers and industry figures alike.
In other news, TikTok strikes back against its proposed US ban, arguing that it's unconstitutional and that there are other ways to address security concerns. Last up this week is EA CEO Andrew Wilson hitting the headlines for his love of generative AI, arguing that developers within the company have a “real hunger” to make use of the technology.?
All of this awaits in this week's download, so get reading!
Nintendo has confirmed they will announce the successor to the popular Switch console by March 31, 2025, but it won't be revealed at their upcoming June Direct. Rumours suggest the new console will boast improved graphics, backwards compatibility with existing Switch games, and detachable Joy-Cons, similar to the current Switch.
Sony reversed its decision to require PSN linking for Helldivers 2 on Steam after facing backlash from players. Players were unhappy because PSN linking would prevent them from playing the game in regions where PSN is unavailable. After criticism, Sony listened to the community and made PSN linking optional again.
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Microsoft is shutting down four game studios, including Arkane Austin (Prey, Redfall) and Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within). This move aims to focus resources on "high-impact titles" within the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. Fans have criticised the closures and raised concerns about the future of creative diversity on the platform.
In a challenge to a US ban, TikTok argues that it is unconstitutional and that security concerns can be addressed differently. The filing says the ban forces a company to sell its speech. This follows legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson sees generative AI as a game-changer for game development, allowing for the creation of vast, immersive worlds and faster, more streamlined development. The company expects to leverage this tech in the coming years to enhance the gaming experience and Wilson claims that developers within EA are keen to work with the technology.
That's all for this week.
We’ll be back next Friday for another round-up of the latest news from the games industry.
Until then, happy questing!
BGM.?